Li Xuan walked slowly along the street, marveling at the surrounding architecture. Towering skyscrapers stood in rows, no less impressive than those on the Vast Continent.
These structures opened Li Xuan's eyes to a new world. The street was teeming with pedestrians, snack stalls, and shops, its bustling energy rivaling that of any city on the Vast Continent.
"I only intended to temper my spirit, but I never expected such an encounter. Perhaps this is what they mean by 'the greatest recluse hides in the city,' and 'the lesser recluse hides in the world.' But now that I've regained my memories, I must change my past ways."
Li Xuan was filled with emotion, his thoughts quickly returning to the present. Having recovered his memories, he naturally had to plan his future carefully. At the very least, he would no longer live such a pathetic life. Moreover, Li Xuan realized that this world seemed truly different.
Thinking of Li Wan'er, Li Xuan felt a pang of unease. After five years of marriage, they had never shared a bed. According to their agreement, Li Xuan and Li Wan'er were outwardly an affectionate couple.
However, in private, they were forbidden to cross any boundaries. Li Xuan had only held Li Wan'er's hand a handful of times when she took him to events like ribbon-cutting ceremonies.
"I absolutely cannot let Fuyao and the others know about this, or the consequences would be unthinkable. Since Jiang Xiuying is so determined for Li Wan'er and I to divorce, this matter must be resolved quickly. Ah well, let's deal with the immediate issues first."
Li Xuan shook his head slightly and headed straight for the market.
As dusk fell, Li Xuan, having prepared the meal, stood by the side, looking curiously at the door. After returning, he had noticed his nominal father-in-law, Li Mingqi, looking somewhat evasive.
His mother-in-law, on the other hand, appeared both excited and expectant. Their expressions naturally piqued Li Xuan's curiosity about Li Wan'er's university classmate.
Creak.
As the door opened, a figure appeared before Li Xuan's eyes. It was Li Wan'er, her face etched with exhaustion, clearly worn out from work. Looking at her, Li Xuan felt a surge of emotion.
If Li Wan'er hadn't approached him first back then, Li Xuan might not be alive and well today.
After all, the people Li Wan'er knew back then were not of low status. If Li Wan'er hadn't taken everything upon herself, Li Xuan would likely have been eliminated by their methods long ago.
"Wan'er, you're back. Come sit, you must be tired after a long day at work," Jiang Xiuying said with a smile, helping Li Wan'er to the sofa.
Li Wan'er shook her head slightly. Glancing at the dishes on the table, she frowned, "Mom, are we expecting guests?"
"As expected of my daughter, you noticed immediately. Wan'er, your university classmate Zhuo Xian will be visiting us later. You haven't seen each other in years, you must have much to catch up on," Jiang Xiuying said with a beaming smile.
Li Xuan pouted upon hearing this. He had bought a mountain of groceries and cooked over twenty dishes. Li Wan'er wasn't blind; she would have noticed.
"Zhuo Xian? Didn't he go abroad to study?" Li Wan'er's eyes flickered with thought as she looked at Jiang Xiuying and asked.
"He only returned to the country a few days ago and immediately thought of visiting you. Zhuo Xian has always been very good to you, hasn't he?" Jiang Xiuying replied.
"Mom, I'm married," Li Wan'er said, understanding the implication in Jiang Xiuying's words. She glanced at Li Xuan standing beside her.
"Does being married mean you've forgotten your classmate's friendship? Besides, your father and I haven't seen Zhuo Xian in years. It's just dinner, there's no harm in it. Alright, alright, go wash your hands. Zhuo Xian should be here any minute."
Jiang Xiuying shot Li Xuan a glare and then spoke to Li Wan'er with a gentle smile.
"Okay." Li Wan'er nodded helplessly and got up to go to the bathroom.
As she passed Li Xuan, Li Wan'er was surprised to find that Li Xuan, who was usually as stiff as a wooden post, had actually smiled at her. It was a smile that wasn't like his usual perfunctory one; even Li Wan'er couldn't quite decipher its meaning.
Ding-dong.
Just then, the doorbell rang. Jiang Xiuying, hearing it, walked briskly to the door with a joyful expression and opened it.
"Oh, Zhuo Xian is here. Come in, come in!" Jiang Xiuying pulled Zhuo Xian inside.
Li Xuan, hearing the commotion, looked curiously at the man named Zhuo Xian. Dressed in a formal suit, it was clear he wore branded clothing. He had a smile that was quite handsome.
However, in the next moment, Li Xuan felt a twinge of displeasure. Upon entering, Zhuo Xian looked around the room. When his gaze fell upon Li Wan'er, who had just emerged from the bathroom, a possessive gleam appeared in his eyes.
"Wan'er, Zhuo Xian is here. Come say hello," Jiang Xiuying said, noticing Zhuo Xian's expression.
"Long time no see," Li Wan'er nodded slightly and then walked to the dining table and sat down.
"Long time no see. I never thought Wan'er would still be so radiant. Oh, right, Auntie, this is a ginseng and bird's nest porridge I bought for you. I hope you like it. And this premium Biluochun tea is for Uncle. I brought them back from abroad. I'm not sure if they suit your taste."
Seeing Li Wan'er's cold demeanor, Zhuo Xian presented the gift boxes he was holding to Jiang Xiuying.
"Zhuo Xian, you didn't have to bring gifts. But of course, Auntie likes them. I'll accept them. Come, come, sit down, or the food will get cold."
Jiang Xiuying's eyes lit up. She took the gift boxes from Zhuo Xian and placed them on the sofa.
She then took Zhuo Xian's hand and led him to sit next to Li Wan'er.
"What are you standing around for? Go serve the soup!" Jiang Xiuying said sternly, turning to see Li Xuan standing by the side.
Li Xuan smiled and turned to head into the kitchen. From the looks of it, this Zhuo Xian was likely the target Jiang Xiuying had in mind for Li Wan'er. Seeing Li Xuan's smile, Jiang Xiuying also froze, much like Li Wan'er. Had this boy gone mad today?
At the dining table, Li Xuan sat at the very bottom. If an outsider were present, they would likely assume Zhuo Xian and Li Wan'er were the couple.
However, Li Xuan didn't dwell on it. After all, his marriage with Li Wan'er was just for show. If Li Wan'er took a liking to Zhuo Xian, Li Xuan could choose to step away.
"This must be Li Xuan, right? Wan'er has been in your care all these years." Just as Li Xuan was about to eat, Zhuo Xian's voice suddenly cut through the air.
Li Xuan felt a slight annoyance but ignored Zhuo Xian, helping himself to some food and eating. Seeing Li Xuan's blatant disregard, Zhuo Xian's expression darkened.
Just as Jiang Xiuying was about to erupt, Li Xuan finished chewing and slowly raised his head to look at Zhuo Xian. "If you're here to eat, then eat. Why so many words? And, are we that familiar?"